The UK defense ministry said in its intelligence report that Russian ground forces are continuing their attempt to surround the cities of Severodonetsk and Lyscyhansk, recently capturing several villages northwest of Popasna.
“Russia is pressuring the Severodonetsk pocket although Ukraine retains control of multiple defended sectors, denying Russia full control of the Donbas,” it reported.
Russia is believed to have transported 50-year-old T-62 tanks from deep storage under the SGF's jurisdiction in recent days.
“The T-62s will almost certainly be particularly vulnerable to anti-tank weapons and their presence on the battlefield highlights Russia's shortage of modern, combat-ready equipment,” the MoD said in its report.
Meanwhile, Russia's Southern Grouping of Forces (SGF) is expected to continue seizing Ukrainian land in the south.
Picture Credits: Reuters
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